According to the speakers, “in many countries of the world, including the Middle East, there is discrimination between peoples of different religion who live in the same country and under the same laws. There is little religious freedom for Christians in Egypt, Iraq, Iran … because of their faith”.

This is very sad and true, but it is part of the bitter political realities which the Christians experience in these countries. It is also in great part due to the political bankruptcy of the regimes of these various countries. Restriction of religious freedoms is also a part of the occupation policy, for example like what had happened to the Christians in Iraq under the American occupation.

Yesterday, in a hall of the Political Academy of the ÖVP (an Austrian rightist party) was full of participants in a conference about religious repression against Christians throughout the world. Among them were many representatives of the Christian communities in several Arab countries, a group of persons from the Egyptian Christian Coptic community in Vienna, interested Austrians, academics, journalists and representatives of the church and the media. “Click of the pictures to make them bigger”.

The audience listened to the speakers carefully. All speakers stressed the policy of discrimination and restriction of religious freedoms against Christians, and violations of their rights, in the Arab countries.

During the introduction of the conference, it was mentioned that Christians are most discriminated against in “formerly soviet countries”, with Muslim states being in third place, so it surprised me to subsequently hear bitter complaints regarding discrimination against Christians exclusively against Muslim countries. I was aghast listening at some of the things I heard.

It should be noted that none of the speakers which I heard at the conference referred in their speeches to the serious violations of human rights and religious freedoms by the State of the Zionist occupation against the Christians in Palestine.

They did not provide any statistics on the number of the deported, wounded and the martyrs and detainees of the Christians faith under the Israeli occupation since 62 years.

They did not provide statistics on the Israeli crimes, the burning of several Churches in Jerusalem and Nazareth. I will try to (partially) fill the void which they left.

Palestine

Discrimination against Christians was not mentioned for Palestine, and I found it disconcerting that in no way it is mentioned that most of all discrimination against Christians in Palestine comes from the zionists, but this somehow seems to be something fit only to be swept under the rug, and that there is religious discrimination in Arab countries which does not stem from Islam. In this regard I find the attitude of the Catholic church regarding the Catholic community in Gaza most interesting.

In 2008, the catholic priest of the community, Monsignor Emmanuel Musallam, complained about the blockade on side of Israel and tried to get help from the Christian world. His words fell on deaf ears. Next, during the massacre of last January, he tried to ask for intervention from the Catholic hierarchy in order to protect his community. I do not remember that the Catholic church of Rome did anything. Forward to May of this year 2009, the Pope visited “Israel”. He did not visit the Catholic community of Gaza despite repeated public requests from Monsignor Mussalam. What I and many others who followed that visit in the media remember, is that the Pope spent a couple of days grovelling to the Zionists, who accused the Catholic Church of ignoring the Jews and who are directly culpable of most of the problems befalling the Christians of the “Holy Land”, rather than giving support to one of the most grief-stricken Christian communities of the world.

Under such circumstances, when even the highest dignitaries of the Catholic Church ostentatiously abandon their own brothers and sisters in faith, when most of the crimes against Christians are perpetrated by the zionists, is it not strange to forget the chapter of Palestine in the speeches altogether?

Our worried speakers failed to mention the Israeli checkpoints which prevent Christians from access to the churches in Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth.
They did not speak about the obstacles faced by the Christian pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj (pilgrimage) in Palestine.

The city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, has been turned by the Israeli zionists into a concentration camp, an open-air prison, horrors which were not known even in the time of the Nazis and Hitler. That the people of the “Holy Land”, Christians and Muslims alike, are slowly dying of hunger and destitution at the hands of the Zionists, is also dutifully censored by the Austrian national TV when they show footage of Austrian children visiting the “Holy Land” to light candles during Christmas.

Three Other Events Which Merit Mention in This Context:

A fire “broke out” on 22 October 2007 in a Baptist church in West Jerusalem. The same church had already set on fire in 1982. The perpetrators remain conveniently unknown.

Nobody speaks about the huge trauma which happened to the Christians in the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth when extremist jews from the area threw explosives and incendiaries into the church on 3 March 2006 during a religious ceremony, burning and injuring many of the members of that Christian community.

On 23 May 2008 the assistant major of the town of Ori Yehuda, of the extremist party Shas, burnt Christian bibles before hundreds of students of a yeshiva, an institution where religious extremists are taught.

Dr. Bishara Awad, priest and director of the of Bethlehem Bible College, and the professor and priest Dr. Alex Awad, the author of the books “The Muslims, My Neighbors” both of them are Palestinians with an American citizenship, could speak for weeks about the genocide and the crimes against humanity committed by the zionist occupation against the Christians in Palestine. It would be necessary to mention these crimes within the long list of crimes against Christians in the Middle East.

But the question remains: Why do not Christians talk in conferences held in Europe over the crimes of the Jews and the Zionist occupation against the Christians in Palestine?

The Israeli occupation is a big threat to the Church and the Christians, a much greater danger than the one which comes from the governments of some Arab countries in the Middle East. Why are politicians, high religious dignitaries, journalists afraid to talk about Israel’s crimes against Christians?

Was the aim of this event to find a serious solution to the problem of Christians in the Middle East, or was it just to incite against some countries under the policy of Europe and USA?

Iraq

The situation of the Christians in Iraq was also mentioned by one of the speakers. The situation of the Christians in Iraq is indeed horrible in these days. There have been Christian communities in Iraq for thousands of years, long before Europe became Christian. These communities have always been integrated into society, before and during Islam. Even during the years of the regime of Saddam Hussein, the Christians of Iraq were not persecuted, their troubles started with the US invasion, and they are due to the many guerillas, death squads and groups of extremists which are trained, protected and financed by the USA and their partners in crime, the other western countries currently present in Iraq. This “small” fact was obviously forgotten by the person speaking about the troubles of the Christians of Iraq. Why would that be?

Egypt

The troubles of the Christians in Egypt was also mentioned by one of the speakers, who the term “cultural genocide” when describing their situation. The situation of the Christians in Egypt is indeed terrible. While Christians and other non-Muslim communities are nominally protected under the law, groups of extremists harass these communities with all kind of violent acts. One of the disgraceful acts which are perpetrated against the Coptic Christians is the kidnapping of young girls and engaging them in forced marriages to Muslims.

But like in Iraq, Egypt is home to some of the oldest Christian communities of the world, which have traditionally been integrated into society, and here, equally, the speaker conveniently forgot to mention the “small” fact that the troubles of the Christians in Egypt started when Anwar Al-Sadat signed peace agreements with Israel, and worsened under Hosni Mubarak, an autocratic dictator installed by the USA.

The Mubarak regime has no legitimacy among the people, it is politically bankrupt and can exist only due to a massive repression apparatus financed by USA and EU; the disaffection within the population of Egypt with this regime has led a significant part of the population under the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Since the brotherhood and religious groups opposed to the regime in their influence are too powerful to be repressed, an implicit understanding between both factions reigns in the country: the regime allows the brotherhood more or less free hand in their doings, provided that these religious groups do not interfere in politics or stand effectively against the interests of the regime. The atrocities against the Christians occur in this context, which the speaker at the ÖVP event did not mention.

I perfectly understand that, as Christians, the participants in this event would be worried about the Christians living in other countries. I think that this is perfectly legitimate. The aspect of this discussion which I find definitely questionable is that, while various speakers complain that it is forbidden under law (“sharia”, a term often used) in Muslim countries to proselytize, the overall aim of the event seemed to me to be more about demonizing Muslims and Islamic law and customs than about anything else, and this within a circle of people who seemed to me to definitely have the connections and the resources needed to carry forward political projects with potentially troublesome consequences for the peace of all those living in Austria at their disposition, and under the auspices of a political party which is currently represented in the government of Austria.

Supposing that a betterment of the situation of the Christian populations living in Arab and Muslim countries is what was wanted by the organizers and speakers during this event, then, instead of exacerbating tensions between Christians and Muslims at the expense of these Christian minorities, instilling animosities against Muslims at home and tolerating and justifying genocide against Muslims abroad is decidedly not the way to go.

The first priority for anybody interested in a betterment in the situation of Christians in all Muslim countries should be to use all possibilities to force Israel to respect international humanitarian law, to respect exactly all UN resolutions regarding the situation in Palestine, to make it clear to the “State of Israel” that the they must stop their crimes against non-jews immediately.

The immediate next priority towards the betterment of the situation of Christians in Arab and Muslim countries is for the western countries to end all support for all the corrupt and autocratic regimes in these countries, and equally to stop funding extremist deleterious movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Wahabism, which are products of western secret services.

I think that peace between Muslims and Christians is possible and within reach, but what I saw at the political academy of the ÖVP makes me doubt that peace is really what is wanted by some. Who wants to talk about peace between peoples or religions, he should not play with fire.

Something I learned in the land of the prophet Jesus, where I was born, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!”. This is what my Muslim father taught me too.

12 comments to Discussion About Christians in the Middle East

Ms. Salam, you have pointed out the exact crux of the whole matter of the criminal invasion and destruction of the Holy Land by the Zionist entity. Before they came to Palestine they, the Zionist Kahal who comprised the ruling class of the Communists, were the plotters and saboteurs that destroyed the Russian Nation and the Czar and the Russian Orthodox Church. That is why the “formerly soviet countries” rank the worst in treatment of Christians. You mention Muslim states as third in the estimation of the people at this conference. I am sure it depends on who is compiling the viewpoint and for what reason. Many Evangelicals are very much aligned with Zionists and are quite false in their view of what being a Christian is. Quite frankly, many of them worship money and not God. They also have no idea what the Noble Qur’an teaches men. They are taught to misquote one or two verses and ignore the rest. It is the Talmudic Zionists [redacted], Allah (SWT) and His Messiah He sent, ‘Isa al-Maseeh, Jesus Christ (PBUH). It is the Talmud which [redacted] Zionism invented all of the anti-Christian and anti-Muslim propaganda that permeates the Christian Churches today. If one reads the account of Islam given by Christians who have always lived in the Holy Land, an absolutely different picture emerges. It is one of tolerance and charity towards one another, Christian and Muslim. The Christian King of Abyssinia told the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that there was practically no difference what so ever between the two and their respective beliefs. Personally, as a Catholic, I would much rather live under the tax than in a secular atheist society like that which is considered so modern and sophisticated today.

Ms. Salam, as you pointed out so very saliently, it is American and Zionist and Secular assaults on the dignity of people and nation states that has caused what is erroneously blamed on Islam. The wrongful blame on Islam is simply a ploy by Zionists and neo-Fascist Evangelicals to cause trouble for both Christians and Muslims, in order to further the diabolic cause of Zionism.

Zionism is simply the Antichrist, that is, ad-Dajjal, which both Christians and Muslims are warned is the enemy of God and people of true faith. In the beginning of the Naqba – 62 years old, the vast amount of the original persecution by the Jews against Palestinians was against Christians, especially Catholics and Orthodox Church members.

It is truly appalling that the huge number of Churches desecrated and Christians murdered by the Zionists are ignored by the apostate Roman hierarchy. I speak as a Catholic, baptized 59 years ago. In Catholicism we have always been warned of the coming of apostates who would support a Judaistic heresy within the Church, which is in fact the evil false religion of the Antichrist. The faithful are always to reject this absolutely. Benedict XVI and his fellow Zionist worshipping apostates are precisely that evil apostate element.

Ms. Salam, you are exactly right, the “serious violations of human rights and religious freedoms by the State of the Zionist occupation against the Christians in Palestine” and the horror that the Zionists have especially visited upon the “Catholic church Catholic community in Gaza,” are the true criminal evil violation of the rights that God has given people and that law is supposed to recognize always. You said so correctly, “the Pope visited “Israel”… grovelling to the Zionists rather than giving support to one of the most grief-stricken Christian communities of the world.” This antipope is an evil demon just like his idol, Netanyahu.

All of the horrors visited upon both Christian and Muslim by the God hating Zionists will be returned to them a ten-thousandfold by God at the return of Christ and the general judgment of all men by God.

The Christian communities in Iraq and in Palestine were cared for by the two hero-martyrs, President Saddam Hussein and President Yasser Arafat respectively showing their true charity.

Ms. Salam, you said so well:

Something I learned in the land of the prophet Jesus, where I was born, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!”. This is what my Muslim father taught me too.

Indeed all Christians and Muslims must unite against the Antichrist Zionists.

I’m struggling with Christian misunderstanding and virtual enslavement to the Pharisaic agenda right now. Not sure how to tackle the subject. This was helpful thanks.

The problem with Israel is not the Jews, as it happens, but the so-called “Christian” supporters. Not only is the Christian Zionist tending to be more vile and violenet, nasty ad hateful and even just plain demonic than his ostensible Jewish master, but he is more numerous to the tune of maybe 10:1.

Christians, Jews, and Moslems worship the same Horrible WAR GOD of Abraham.
Can’t you see that this is the cause of most all of the war in the world?
Can’t you see the horns on the head of Yahweh-Jehovah-Allah?

Find the true “Father”. Follow Christ’s example, not the stupid books you believe.

The only remaining truth in the Bible are the words of Christ in John 8:44:
(Christ to the Jews:)

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As a (incidentally, much older) compatriot living in exile in the UK along with his wife, children, grandchildren and sons-law, I write to applaud your commentary on the conference held at the Political Academy, Vienna, yesterday.

Most misguided Christians in the West are unaware of the driving force behind the ‘divide and rule’ strategy adopted by Israel to keep communities in the Middle East poles apart. Unfortunately, the conspirators who are desparately trying to ignite the clash of civilisations (or more accurately a Muslim/Christian clash) are hoping that they will eventually succeed in obliterating each other faith so that the ‘chosen’ will emerge supreme (in their dreams). Unfortunately, the nominally Christian West have been duped to believe their lies. In the case war-torn Iraq, they have managed to find some criminal elements who were willing to do their dirty work, little do these elements realise that Islam and Christianity have more in common than even what the enlightened realise – go to:http://www.amazon.com/Theft-Nation-William-W-Baker/dp/0910643008

where you can find information about two important books:
1. Theft of a Nation (the Nation being Palestine) and
2. More in Common Than You Think: The Bridge Between Islam & Christianity

Both these books are written by William W. Baker.
For a review of the first book and info about the author, read the review by Srinidhi Anantharanmiah, datelined February 28, 2006 at the above link.

I am circulating your article to all Palestinian groups both Christian and Muslim of which I am member and groups of our supporters too.

Without wishing to prolong this message, suffice to say I am thrilled that the enlightened among us are wide awake.

Ms. Salam and Ms. Marie, I appreciate the honesty of the exchange here.

You signed Marie, so I will assume you will allow that I address you as that.

Marie, your point about the Copts in Egypt is very well taken. I asked a Coptic Priest friend of mine about this some time ago. From what he told me I understand it is the fault of Civil Authorities who use the Noble Qur’an as an excuse to do whatever they want to people. I don’t really see any argument in what Ms. Salam is saying and what you are saying on this point.

Concerning so called “conspiracy theories” – no they are not “theories”, but realities. What you mention about “Wahhabi and Iranian Muslim Brotherhood” is in actuality brought about by Intelligence operations of the United States and Communist Russia (it still is Communist in its leadership – Putin et al) and Israel. The extremely close connection between Communism and Zionism can never be disregarded.

Marie, you said: “persecution of Christian minorities in China (and also Muslim minorities) is due to the political ideology of communism rejects all religions and their followers” I agree basically, but please make note that in the Judaistic base (Marx, Hess, Engels, Lenin etc.) of Communism there is the extreme prejudice of Judaism against Christianity and Islam.

Marie, you said: “the majority of Muslims, the failure to accept criticism in any subject of a religious framework,” — unfortunately there is some truth to this. However, I can say personally that, none of three groups of people have ever defrauded me but have treated me with complete honesty. Those three are: traditional Catholics, Muslims and traditional Orthodox Church members. To me, that says a lot.

Marie, you bring up a very important issue. European secularization. It is not any sort of improvement. It is warfare against religion via European Socialism (ne: Marxist/Green/Communist et al). It is wrong. The diatribe and assumption on their part is made that religion is a problem and only “unenlightened” people partake of it. Theirs is a vitriolic and simply put, a Marxist based, attack on the freedom of people to respond to God in their consciences and actions. It is Socialist Gulag enslavement and tyranny. It is evil.